The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-10-22

AZ nfsJ ILL is inclined 10 refuse; yet There
is disappointment evident on her face.
''Of course we will co. laughs Kitty,
eagerly. "There is no question of that
but what to wear What have you got in
the way of ball costume. Lil?''
Lii eagerly displayed her treasure, and
Miss Arnold went into raptures over IL.
II was lovely white silk, festooned with
lace and pearls.
On hearing of her iEtened visit to the
city, Jack had brought it up to her, and
she had hardly even thanked him.
''It is a poets dream realized" sighed
Kitty. "The loveliest thing! Such exqui-
site taste! You will be perfectly irresistible
| in that Lilr'
So she was the daintiest, sweetest. fresll-
est vision that eyer maddened mans
heart
| Standing talking with Adele Deyereux,
Jack Halburton saw her gliding down the
brilliant, perfumed ballroom, clasped in
the arms Of handsome, distinguished
looking roue.
He started, and Miss Devereux noted the
surprised displeasure on his face.
1T is your little cousin," she said in her
ilute-like voice. "Sh0 came with the Ar
nold's. Is she not diyine?"
"\Nho introduced that man TO her?" he
asked wrathfully. "He is gambler. and a
roue unfit for the association of any pure
woman, if he does carry around title.
Cheap, sullied commodities nowadaysr
Miss Devereux's exquisite face flushed
hOtly. Jack, In his earnest soicitude for
another ungrateful little woman, never
noticed the insult to his hostess.
He was so blunt so honest, and strong.
Jack met them with stormy eyes, and Lii
treated him to the coolest little nod in her
record.
"Iiss Fame is my cousin. Count Galazzi.p
! said low, intense voice, suddenly, in the
nobeman's ear. II must beg you to with
draw. and forget that YOU have spoken with
her, or'-Jack added hoarsely-"by Heay-
en-! will make it interesting for your'
Both the ladies heard the low, hoarse
command, and drew back frightened.
"What do you mean, sir?" demanded the
foreign gentleman, indignantly.
''Just this" returned Jack, coolly but
in low, determined voice; ''that unless
you seek other society-more befitting your
this window for the thing you arep' q.
Instantly the count obeyed, displaying
more haste than dignity.
And although the ball was brilliant as
ever, her suit0rs more numerous, even. its
pleasure was spoiled for Lii.
Constantly her lovely. wistful eyes fcl-
lowed Jack. How grandly superior he
seemed to all his surroundings!
sudden regret and shame had taken
possession of Lii
If only she had not come here! Ii only
she had never come TO New York at all,
Jack might have loved, respected, and adj
mred her still, perhaps; but now he coldly
disapproved of her, and a great pain followed
the thought.
What a good, kind Jack he had always
been, and what an ungrateful little wretch
she was Adele, at least, appreciated him,
and he evidently returned her interest.
Then Lii flirted more desperately than
ever, and danced like sylph until the 'wee
sma' hours ayont the twal," when she went
wearily home and cried herself to sleep
thinking of Jack.
Next day, in company with Kitty, she
called at her Cousins studio. Although
with Miss Arnold he was pleasant and gen
ial, for Lii he had only cool politeness and
indifference that cut her TO the heart.
His studio was elegant, and he showed
them all his treasures, even the Oriental
painting of Adele Devereux.
1t was wonderful, even more beautiful
than the original, Lii thought, and crushed
back sob. He loved her, of course; how
could lie help IL?
Daily her life, amid all its pleasures, be-
came more distateful thing. There was
no one to scold, no one TO censure her ac-
tions; yet, somehow, she grew pale and
thin, and great shadows gathered under her
lovely wistful eyes.
One day, when she was riding out in Kit
ty's pretty phaeton alone, she met Count
GalazZi.
Quickly he doffed his silk hat in greeting,
but with flash of scorn from her violet
eyes, Lii cut the pony a sharp lash, and he
dashed onward.
81 am growing very worldly-wise and ex-
elusive" she thought bitterly, then sud-
denly her heart palpitated wildly.
There before her on a crossing Jack was
standing In conversation with lady in an
elegant brougham.
LII recognized Adele, and bowling coldly
passed them by, her face showing somewhat
the bitterness Of her heart, for Miss Deyer-
eux said:
Your cousin is looking IN, Mr.. Halbur-
tom. Evidently the city does not agree with
her. Well,.I will not detain you any longer,
now. will call tomorrow for the paint
ing"
SoIely troubled, Jack turned TO overtake
his cousin; but she had disappeared in the
crowd. I
Poor little girl" he thought tenderly,
Il cannot help but love her better than any
other woman | ever saw. It's always the
way, we squander our richest treasures | 4
wonder If she is illP'
In the meantime Lii was in her own
room, REMOVING her hat and gloves.
Count Galazzi called while you were
gone, ma chere," remarked Kitty, entering.
And the telegraph-boy brought you a mes
sage. Here IL is"
Eagerly Lii tore 1t open,
Mothers illp' she gasped family. "Oh,
Kitty, | must goat once. II is from DIR.
Rice"
A few moments later she was in a fly
madly dashing toward the depot
Jack Halburton, thoughtfully sauntering
ON, suddenly awakened TO the fact that
team rushing down the avenue were run
ming away. and sprung forward to secure
them.
But too late. They swerved from him;
but not before the door was flung open and
young girl leaped out.
She stumbled and fell hesdlong into
Jacks arms.
"Lillisnp' he cried. 'My.child-thank
Godl Where were you going?'
Home, she answered. sobbing. Mother
is III and-and so am /. oh, Jack forgive
me, aud take me home"
The iace she lifted Was full OF humble
pleading aud deathless love.
Ny poor little giri--my own at last OF
coarse wills' he whispered softly.